Pope Leo XIV attends interfaith meeting in Metz, France

Pope Leo XIV attended an interfaith meeting at the Robert Schuman Congress Center in Metz, France, on Monday, September 28. The meeting, which took place on the final day of the pope's visit to France, included representatives from various religious traditions.

During his speech, the pope stated that religions serve as guardians of life, peace, and brotherhood. He told the assembly that a civilized society is measured by how it cares for the most vulnerable and fragile people rather than by material achievements. He also suggested that religious discourse should encourage the disarmament of both hearts and words.

The pope referenced Robert Schuman, a founder of the European Union, describing him as an ambassador of unity in diversity who turned divisions into bridges of hope. Pope Leo XIV noted that religious dialogue does not diminish individual identity but expresses it through truth. He also cited the teachings of Pope Francis and Saint John Paul II regarding the promotion of friendship and harmony through interreligious dialogue.